"hacked" meat?...yum!

Well, I began my search to learn more about the beautiful city of Iasi (pronounced Yosh) Romania. This is the main city I will be staying in for my internship. Halfway through, we take a traintrip into Hungary and some other places but for the most part, we stay in Iasi. So I googled it and found some cool sites. Of course I won't really be there touring but makes me hopefull we can get around to see some of these gorgeous sights. One link talked about the food eaten there...I'm not sure if I'll gain or loose weight if we eat according to the customs there. Going to the grocery store for the first time shall be an intersting experience. Just thought I'd share...these people obviously like meat I guess...
And from what I see, there's 1 McDonalds and lots of pizza places but in relation to where we are staying, I don't know how close they are...
The below described Sarmale kinda reminds me of what they server you at PF Changs but I doubt its ANYTHING like it.....

Romanians generally have three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast usually consists of bread with butter, jam, cheese, ham and also eggs. Romanians generally have tea or coffee. A traditional Romanian lunch consists of different kinds of soups, a main course and dessert. Dinner is quite similar to lunch, but a bit smaller (without soup). Soups play an important part at mealtimes and are usually rich and thick. One of the national dish of Romania is called "sarmale", made with rice mixed with hacked meat, all wraped on cabbage leaves. "Mamaliga" (maize flour mush) is often served with cheese and cream and is especially associated with the traditional Romanian life. Another specific dish is called "mici" and is mainly made from a mixture of different types of hacked meat. In restaurants and cafés one can find delicious cakes and ice-cream, specific to this area.

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, from the pictures below, I dont have to tell you all that as always, this week was fun getting the family all together (almost!) for Thanksgiving. The kids just get funnier as they get older.
I had a video clip of Alexis but you cant really understand what she says. Here's the basic gist of the dialogue:
"What are your barbies doing?"
"They're going on a date"
"Where are they going"
"They don't know yet"
"You should always have plan when you go on a date" (my subtle dating advice to the almost 6 year old)
"Well maybe they'll go to a movie...or go out to dinner. Or, maybe, they'll. do. both."
...maybe you had to be there. But you couldn't really hear her and my camera as you can see is ghetto and the lighting was bad quality.
That will hopefully change this week as I am looking to make the dive to buy a new camera. (I know, me? spend that much money? Never....) But since I got accepted to go to Romania this summer, I decided a better quality camera was definitely in order, so why not do it now?!
Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/xenoplayer2006/Thanksgiving2008#slideshow

Halloween Fun--even in College

After many years of dreaming, I finally decided that a ward halloween party was a good enough excuse to purchase a dorothy costume. I must admit I would have been better off making the whole thing from scratch. The dress was a small styled for someone with a tiny waste and huge boobs or something....and despite online measuring, my shoes are a little big too. Mom ended up making my dress and in mom fashion, finished just in time for the party. :)
I went to my ward Halloween party, and then headed over to Melissa and Cathy's for a party. There got to be a lot of peopel there I didn't know and felt a little...isolated (okay call me anti social whatever) so I left around 10 to homework since I had to work the next morning but whatever. It was still fun to get compliments and feel cute. I've learned pig tails make me look about 6 years younger. sorry the pictures aren't that great of quality. If i get accepted for my internship,a new camera will be coming soon.

Crazy Contest

So one of my professors found this (marriage class so it related)....just goes to show what kind of world we live in.

Woman Offers $10,000 Contest For Couples Willing To Avoid Sex Before Marriage - And No One Enters
What if they gave a contest with a $10,000 first prize and nobody came? That's what happened to the organizers of the "Marriage for a Lifetime" competition in Atlanta.
The woman behind the big bounty - which also includes free flowers, free wedding invitations, a paid-for photographer and an on-the-house honeymoon - is Phillipia Faust. She was offering up the small fortune to any engaged couple who wanted to enter.
But with a deadline of October 31st fast approaching, not a single couple has taken her up on the deal and it doesn't appear anyone will. Why not? To win this contest, you've got to agree not to have sex before the wedding. And it appears no one is willing to do it - or not do it, as the case may be.
The bargain this Faust wanted to strike was designed to show that abstinence really does make the heart grow fonder. She runs an education program on the subject that's subsidized by the government and is unaffiliated with any religious group. And she was hoping the prize money would attract attention.
It has, but for a reason she never expected.
When not even a single couple responded to the offer, Faust was stoic. "In our society it's going to be hard to find" a couple that hasn't had premarital sex, she shrugs.
With time running out, she's bent her own rules. She now says she'll take entrants who've done the deed without benefit of a marriage licence, but only if they acknowledge they shouldn't have.
Still nothing.
Among the rules of the contest: they have to live in the area served by her clinic, they have to undergo premarital counseling and they have to agree to let up to 100 strangers come to their ceremony, all designed to foster a marriage that will 'last a lifetime.'
But with no entrants, it appears that's also how long this local community worker will be waiting for someone to actually get in line for the prize.

We discussed prolly the downside for LDS couples in the area was they had to open their ceremony to the public. But really....its pretty sad.

Thankful for friends

First off, I have to say, I am blessed with some pretty awesome people in my life. Family being first, but some very good friends being second, namely Melissa. We joke how crazy it is but we've managed to still remain friends (or bfffe= best friends for freaking ever) for going on 9 years now. I guess technically we knew eachother since we shared teething toys in nursery but we became friends really in Jr High choir. Anyways, even when I've been a difficult friend for about 50% (give or take) of the years with boy drama and anything else, she has been there for me. It has been a blast like I've mentioned in previous posts to be at BYU with her.

Last night, I told her I didn't know what I was going to do without her and that we'd just have to buy houses next door to each other, we'll take our children to the bus stop every morning in our sweats and then listen to the same music (David Archuletta) in perfect synchrony while we clean our houses. :+) In my attempt to collect pictures for Mark, here's one we took at the New Mexico game that is our favorite most current picture (amazing we both like it).

Also, we had a mini simi reunion party/my half party last weekend. Me, Melissa, Stephen Pulsipher, Marks brother Ryan, and Kayla came over. We just played uno, talked, laughed and had fun.

In all my pity party moments that I have from time to time, I really forget to count my blessings in that I have great friends.

Joys of living with 6 girls again...

I know Mom and Dad semi hugely hinted that they really wanted me to NOT complain about my roommates this year. I try really. I avoid most conflict by being basically just like my freshman roommate always in her room, or at school or work..but hey at least I keep a decent social life :+)



I really don't think there's any hope. No sign, apartment talk, can really help this matter. Lets just say I'm grateful for clean checks once a month and the random days I feel nice enough (or ticked) to clean up a little. We NEVER have an empty sink. Someone always leaves dirty pans on the stove, cookie sheets soaking in water getting rusty. I moved my blender out of the kitchen and into my room after it was washed (HELLO!?!? ITS PLASTIC), not to mention the base was not screwed off before it was placed in the dishwasher. And I'm seriously contemplating about packing up my pots and pans too. I rarely cook anyways and can use the other girls. They don't know how to treat teflon.

To say the least, I'm grateful Mom and Dad taught us how to clean up and take care of other people's things, but its shocking so many other people don't realize that no one wants to clean up after the mess. Please note, these picture were taken on the same day....so put these together and you can see our counters were GONE!



I left a "kind" note saying that I was having my "half" party for my missionar this week (one year on friday woohooooo!) so they were of course invited to be there but please respect the cleaning I'll be doing Friday and clean up their messes after since I work 7-3, and am heading straight to the game @ 4 and the party starts around 8.

To all the #1 Dad's out there

Okay so I keep meaning to post in here but other than pictures of my pig-sty kitchen (thanks to roommates not me), I haven't had much lately. So, as I was reading for my Strengthening Marriage and Family class, I came across a short story and a quote I loved so I thought I'd put something uplifting on here. The chapter I am reading talks about the responsibilities of fathering. First, George Durran (Dont Forget the Star for you Wyckhuyses) wrote a short example:
While I was mission president, I woud quite often resolved that it was again time for some more high-priority Church work. Then [our family] woudl all go to an amusement park...I just walked around the park with a smile on my face, holding hands with my children, eating all the cotton candy I could stand. Once in a while, a thought would enter my mind: "Hey you're the mission president. You'd better get back to the office." But then I'd smile and again say to myself "Well I'm doing my Church work here. I'm with my children and my wife. We're having a fun day and tonight I'll be able to write in my journal that I did six hours of glorious Church work today".

This next one I read and couldn't help but think that my Dad matches/matched this perfectly to my recollection:
"Remember brethren...to help with the dishes, change diapers, get up with a crying child in the night, and leave the television or the newspaper to help with dinner. THose are quiet ways we say "I love you" with our actions. They bring rich dividends" -Pres. Ezra Taft Benson (former LDS prophet)

I am loving this class. Of course the 2 weeks we talked about marriage I almost felt sick with all the newlywed/engaged couple stories. But its an amazing class and I love reading the texts. Its like an extra religion class. Its just under halfway through the semester and I have already learned TONS from this class.
Onto more homework....

5K run and game day

I finally joined the running-aholics in the family (well..I guess its just Jenae and Shelene that have done actual races) and completed my first race. It was a 5K into Provo Canyon. I had a blast! I do wish I was a bit more conditioned to run the whole thing, but I'll keep aspiring to be as good as Shelene for next time. :+) In the future, I think it would be fun to make it a family event and everyone can do what they prefer: 10K, 5K, or 1 mile run/walk. I know...there are those who don't believe that you can "run for fun" but the cause was worth it. And can't beat two new shirts!

After the 5K, we went to Shelene and Eric's for sourdough pancakes. Yum! Then mom and dad made the treacherous drive into Provo on gameday and dropped me off at my apartment. Less than an hour later, Brenda and I were headed into the BYU stadium for the game vs. UCLA. I guess I'll agree with Cheriss in that it wasn't a very exciting game per se. But we pretty much CREAMED them. (Kind payback for their demolition of us a few years back). It was a great game but I certainly look forward to it cooling off after the game this weekend. And kids, could we maybe sit in our assigned seats? Our row/bench has about 17 seats but there were no joke aboug 25 of us standing on that row....something tells me people were not sitting where their ticket said.

Oh....the above of Spencer is when he opened his birthday present from the Farfans. Kinda bad quality, but you cant miss the cute look on his face. :+) What a ham.

mission pictures from mark!

Okay so Im trying hard to make this blog moreso about me than Mark, but here's the "every now and then" update on him.

He's out of the office but guaranteed to be back in (he's just so smart they miss him already :P ) before he goes home...which I must say will make me a very spoiled girl to have extra communication with him than most or ANY girls get while out. He's now actually in the city of Columbia, SC and seems to be happier back out there than the stressful office stuff that he was dealing with. Apparently the apartments he lives in are way ghetto so we're enjoying our "ghetto lifestyles" together and have made an oath that when we get married, we're gunna be rich and either have our own house, or live in a new complex where things aren't run down/over 10 years old. (Why do I hear you all laughing from here?)

He sent some pictures in the mail which I got 1 1/2 weeks later thanks to our rediculous apartment office that can't seem to get a key copied in less than 3 weeks. By the time I came in today, they knew my face and what aparment I was from...more embarassing for them than me! Anyways, he sent some pictures when they went a museum. No surprise, the first one is my favorite .

I'm thinking the point of this one was the shark above his head....not sure......
...and I seriously hope this is posed and some southern hick didn't do this to him for trying to "share a message" with him. One thing I look forward to is all the stories he doesn't tell me now that I'll get to hear one day...

Its just nice to see that he's alive..and eating well as you can see his face has continued to remain more filled out. I think it'd be a while (if ever) before any uncomplimentary weight showed on him. And I'm getting over the loss of hair. I'm still denying mom's theory that he's loosing his hair already. We'll see who's right when he tries to grow it back I guess!

concerts, and dresses and bug bites, oh my!

I hope you all recognized my improv/adjustment to the classic line from Wizard of Oz. If not 'you're fired and you'll never work on this island again'. (Name that movie!)

Time seems to be flying by this summer which is surprising. The last 2 summers in CA flew by but that was expected since so much of it was wonderfully spent with Mark. Just FYI for those who may not be up to date, he hits 10 months this August 10th and is doing well. He's looking to get transferred out of the mission office as he's ready to be a regular missionary again (not my favorite idea as being out of the office= less emails but this is where I take a step back and remember he's obligated to the Lord right now not me.....)

Another crazy week or two has gone by. First, last monday, Melissa and I finally went to our much awaited John Mayer/Colbie Caillat concert. It was AMAZING!!!! I really want to go to another concert soon. Depsite the wierd drunk lady (and drunk people all around), and getting semi lost on the way there, I would totally go again.

Last Thursday, I met up with Mom and Jenae at the University Mall before heading up to Elk Ridge with them for pioneer day festivities. On my way in, I happened to notice a dress in the window of Alyssas (no it was NOT a bridal gown). So I brought mom back to see. We went in and asked about it and the rest is history. I actually ended up not buying that one because it was a little too flashy for my taste. But I got the same style in a different color..(if anyone knows where to buy some cute red shoes, let me know. I looked all over the Provo Towne center and couldn't find anything.). Ella wanted me to model on the 'stage' like she did for us in another store, but I resisited the urge...esp since there was an actual bride out there already I would have felt pretty silly! And of course, we had to accesorize and get earrings and necklace to match....you have to admit, i'm starting ot come out of my shell am I not?

And lastly, I learned that you can get bit anywhere. I never thought unless I was in Elk Ridge it would be possible to be bittten so many times but it is! Wednesday evening I ended up outside in shorts in the grass for way too long and basically got eaten alive by mosquitos. Its been a miserable few days with itching and what not. I counted last night and the grand total has come to 27 on my legs and 12 on my arms. To say the least, it sorta has been like having chicken pox (which I never enjoyed so now i'm extra glad mom made me get those lame shots back in the 5th grade)

So...lessons learned this past week?

1) bug repellent is essential even within the bounds of Provo

2) Drunk people are wierd

3) Mom's are great esp when they surprise you and buy a dress you had full intentions of buying with your own money! :+) I felt pretty spoiled.

1 month in

Well, its pretty crazy to think, but I've been here in Provo for coming up on 4 weeks now. Unfortunately I do not have any exciting pictures, as I need to get better at that, but its hard to take pictures at work..I'll have to try that some time haha. So here's some highlights of the last month:
1) 4th of July...did sparklers with the kids for the first time (at 20 I know...sad)
2) 5th of July we all met up at Veterans park and did the waterslide.
3) Hanging out with Shelene, Eric and the kids for like 5 days in a row.
4) Getting a package from Krystal of 2 of my newest favorite CDs EVER!! (American Idol and Prince Caspian)
5) Hanging out with Melissa and getting to tote HER around instead of reverse
6) Driving up to Bountiful to play with Ella for an evening.
7) Owls game with Brenda
8)Seeing MOM, DAD AND CHERISS AFTER FINALLY MOVING UP FOR GOOD!

As Shelene would call "shout outs", here's some thanks:
Dad and Mom for finally getting here! Shelene for letting me use her as my personal mapquest, Eric for not kicking me out of his house after being there for dinner several days in a row, Krystal for the amazing CD's!!, Brenda for the free owlz tickets..that was quite an adventure, Jenae & Chad for letting ME get out of Provo- I needed some alone time and the drive was perfect for it. And last but not least, Melissa for putting up with me when I get grouchy cause I get us turned around, and for the dinners I've mooched ..ps you still owe me my blender back.

Hugs and Kisses

New Apartment

Welp, I'm back on my own again living in Provo. The complex is perfectly central to everything I need (a little too central to places like Hogi Yogi, Wendy's, Coasta Vida etc). Overall the complex is only mildly ghetto. It's pretty different from the dorms in Idaho. There's curfew but its not enforced really (not that I've been out late to know really only because of roommates). On the flip side, that will be nice not to feel so limited. I tried to create a slideshow but the preview looked messed up showing only 2/7 pictures over and over. So heres the link to just the individual pictures.

http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk25/brittanyrochele/Le%20Crib/

I have yet to check out the pool. The trick is trying to convince Melissa to go swimming with me. My goal is to get out there enough so I'm confident that I'm once again tanner than Mark. He's never been tanner than me and I refuse to ever let that happen :+)

The people here are friendly but not as much as they are in Idaho. Hopefully Sunday will help getting to know more people. We have church from 10:30-1:30. I look forward to getting those sunday naps afterwards....

Zion National Park

The first weekend in UT, I went with Melissa and some friends of hers to Zion National Park, its just north of St George. We got to the campsite around 8 so it had cooled down decently. 2 of the girls slept outside but I prefer to have some protection from the wild (even if is only kept by a zipper and some tough fabric)

The trip was fun but a few challenges

1) No one had directions to give until the first group left Thursday and could call with them on Friday

2) We ventured on a hike that went forever and no one seemed to have a plan as to how far we would go.

3) We couldn't reserve a campsite that late so we did primitive camping and I actually found myself using a bush. At night it was no problem. But the next morning, I foudn it challenging to be far enough from the site, but covered so highway travelers above wouldn't look down and see either. I never thought I'd be so grateful for a dingy public restroom after that experience!

The hike we did was called the "Narrows" Basically its a bout a mile hike on paved cement that's pretty easy. But then you get to the river and the next 2 or 3 miles you hike crossing back and forth across the river. Some points I was waist deep in water. The first little bit of water was a tad cold but as it got warmer, the water was refreshing. We all had a few scratches/bruising from falling down when the currents were a bit strong but it was quite the adventure. Overall the trip was a blast (heat included haha) and knowing what I know for next time, I would go again!

Toto I have a feeling we're not in Kans-er California anymore

Well, after much anticipation, I'm finally back in Utah for good! (Okay at least until I finish school.) Mom and I drove up on the 17th. The trip went well and I mom even braved it and let me drive for an hour while she slept. It was horribly boring to say the least and made me think possibly twice about any random quick driving trips to CA in the future. Perhaps it was the fact that there was no music to listen to made it hard as well.

On Wednesday night, Alexis and Spencer came to Elk Ridge for a "slumber party" to help Shelene out with babysitting. Thursday morning, we had chocolate chip pancakes, strawberry milk and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks on my bed (not breakfast just the movie was on my bed). They loved it and as you can see, were absolutely adorable. Now that I'm up here, I can't wait to spend more time with them as well as get up to Bountiful to play with Ella a lot more as well.

I've been by myself in Provo a few days now and have only called on my sisters a few times to ask them where the heck I am on the road. I've got the grid system down, just finding where everything is is a challenge...

End of school and then some

Well, Shelene beat me to it at posting pictures so I'll only post one or two on here from graduation at BYU-Idaho. It was a great day (as President Clark always says it IS another great day at BYU-Idaho).

I was really grateful that Shelene sacrificed her time with the kids especially to come up. I could tell it wasn't easy dealing with them alone (thanks Eric for letting her!) Also of course, having mom and dad there who have been pushing me up the hill 100% of the time was great. After convocation I met up with them in the back of the chapel and we all had some tears I think.

In talking to dad the other day, I mentioned to him that while I am excited to start up at BYU in Provo this September, BYU-Idaho will always have a special place in my heart. I don't think its been anything drastic, but I think I have learned some good things there that have hopefully made me a better person in the long run (like patience...or something...right Dad.) I am hoping to try and keep in contact with some friends that I've made there in the future despite the ominous look it already has.

Being home now, I am just working at Vons. No other jobs called me back and I decided to actually * gasp* take a semi vacation for once and not work myself to death for 12 months straight. It is a challenge but I've made a fleece blanket, managed to catch up on a lot of tv I've been deprived of , and spend some quality time with Grandma that I never have done in past summers. Also, since my weekends are free, I took the chance with Kaelyn and Natalie on a free weekend they had and we had a "girl party". We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks and then found that myspace has a new feature...KAREOKE!! So we goofed off and pretended that we all could sing.

Being home is fun, but I'm rather excited and already more than ready to move in about a month from today. WOOHOOO. Not only do I get ot move into my apartment finally, but in July, Melissa and I are going to a John Mayer concert with Colbie Callait opening @ the Usanna theater.

Love to see the temple

As the semester is quickly drawing to a close (ending tomorrow!!) I decided I ought to make use of my reccomend that I had renewed and visit the temple to do baptisms. Couldn't get anyone to go at 7am with me so I went by myself. Which was fine. It was a nice trip to have to myself. It has been over a year since I went last. We went last February to Idaho Falls when I was in the 39th ward. I think that time I got 10 names. This time they gave me 20.

When I first got there they didn't have anyone to do baptisms but I told them I was in no rush and could wait a little to see if anyone else showed up. Well a couple (or brother and sister) showed up and he was able to do the baptisms. It was as always a lovely experience. The woodwork in the temple is amazing as its imported from Brazil. It was also a good thing that there were only 2 girls at the time in the baptistry because the changing rooms are TINY (LA temple spoils you pretty good). Anyways, as I left, I took advantage of the rare clear blue sky the morning was bringing on and took some pictures. Enjoy!

Succcumbing

Okay so after resisiting the urge from some of my sisters to get a site on here, I've decided to do it. At first, I thought it would be lame because i'm not married nor do I have cute kids to post pictures of. But now that I'm going to be in Provo at BYU next fall, I figure I can try and update it every now and then with pictures and whatnot with marching band in the fall, and life in general. Maybe in like 10 years I'll have pictures of a family to post on here. For now, just me!